Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or all that it entails. I only have the OCs for this story and I hope you guys like them.

This fanfic is centered on my OC Cenric Potter, oldest son of Harry and Ginny, and about him getting his life back together in a new Wizarding World. Most characters focused on in this story will be OCs including Harry and Ginny's kids, Weasley cousins, co-workers, Hogwarts professors, and love interests.

ALSO, Cenric is just a name I picked out and was not meant to have any connection to Cedric Diggory and so no, he's not named for Cedric.

Don't like OCs, no need to read.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: for PTSD, implied/referenced/described torture of a teenager.

Chapter 1: Return

31 August 2027

King's Cross never seemed to change. As busy as ever with Muggles milling about almost as if the world hadn't completely upended over a decade ago. At least, that's what it looked like to someone who wasn't effected by the change.

But he saw it.

The Muggles' eyes shifted to those they passed by; wariness etched in the eyes of the older generations, anxiety in those younger. After all, magic wasn't something for them to understand; it was something for them to fear.

Cenric Potter hunched his shoulders, stuffing hands in the threadbare jacket that was given to him at the time of his release. The jeans he had on were too tight, which was probably for the best. They hadn't given him a belt. Just shoes, socks, boxers, a shirt, a pair of jeans, and a thin jacket.

That was to get him through the winter.

Cenric scoffed. Nine years, no sign of magic, and the Muggles thought they could just send him out into the world with no skills, no money, no life, and no future.

Everything ended the day they arrested him on the suspicion of magic. He'd only been fourteen, but that didn't matter when magic was a threat. So much for the Statute of Secrecy. So much for humane laws during war time.

Not that there was a war; not really.

Magic was exposed on a mass scale and the Muggles panicked. Anyone suspected of being magical was arrested and sent to secret prisons. Cenric suspected that Great Britain wasn't the only country with a secret island prison that housed suspects who were tortured in order to expose them as witches or wizards. Age didn't matter if you were old enough to withstand what they dealt. Oh, they were kinder now that the mass fear and panic settled down and rules were put in place by the United Nations.

Cenric was just one of the unlucky few children caught in the first wave of mass arrests.

That was behind him now. He proved that he wasn't a wizard. That was the hardest thing to do, but the easiest choice of his life.

Muggle security had grown vastly after magic was exposed and platform nine and three quarters moved elsewhere. People were looking out for instances of magic now. People going through the barrier between platforms nine and ten drew attention.

Cenric was glad the platform moved before his arrest, otherwise he'd be looking bloody mental trying to run at the wall between nine and ten and slamming into it. He walked alongside the wall at platform eight, ducking into the portal just under the analogue clock. It was one of at least half a dozen new entryways to the Hogwarts Express platform. It was decided that too many people going to one entrance was too suspicious.

Once through the barrier, Cenric looked around.

Platform nine and three quarters was dark and empty. There wouldn't be security here until tomorrow when the families came to drop off their children. The security was meant to ensure that the Muggles didn't notice anything and to ensure the safety of the Wizarding folk.

No one would be here until the morning. What a relief.

The platform was an open space, leaving nowhere to really hide from security. He didn't have identification or a wand, and he didn't want to be arrested again and have to deal with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Heading down the platform a ways, Cenric looked around until he found a niche to hide in. It was down from the platform and the train would hide him once it arrived. There were other ways to get to Hogwarts, but Cenric was released in London and he hadn't had the chance to learn Apparition. Not much magical learning could happen in a Muggle prison.

Tucking himself into the niche, Cenric settled in.

1 September 2027

Vibrations and the clanking of metal against metal woke him. Cenric slowly opened his eyes as the Hogwarts Express rushed down the tracks.

The train slowed down as it entered the station, passing Cenric's hiding spot.

He watched it come to a stop, but he didn't move. It was too early. He didn't want to risk getting kicked off before the train left. He'd have to wait until the last minute to get onboard. Luckily the back of the train was only a few feet from his hiding spot. Cenric tucked further into himself, letting the shadows hide him.

Mimicking a statue was easy. In prison, whenever he wasn't working out, reading, drawing, sleeping, or eating, he would just sit for hours. Some guards often whispered how unnaturally still he could be; how eerie it was to see a teenager so still that they couldn't tell if he was even breathing. It certainly came in handy now.

For hours he sat, hearing the bustling of the platform, listening as the crowds of families came and went to see their kids off.

His family was somewhere in that crowd, he knew. His brother Theo would be the only one not off to Hogwarts being twenty some time next week, while Diantha would be in her seventh year, Rhoda and Roland in their fifth year, Chrysanta in her second year, and Primrose would be beginning her first year. That was just his siblings. There were a few cousins that would still be in school. Lavinia and Freddie were in the same year as Diantha. Gérard would be in his sixth year and Bridget in her fifth year. Honorary family members still had children underage as well. All of them were there, just meters from him.

Cenric sighed quietly. He didn't need them to know he was here. He didn't need any of his family right now. What he needed was a new start and he hoped that whomever was Head of Hogwarts was willing to help him out. He knew Professor McGonagall talked of retiring before his arrest. He didn't have a way of knowing if she followed through with that; if so, whomever was the new headmaster or headmistress would hopefully be sympathetic to his plight.

The train whistle signaled for final boarding and Cenric peaked out of his niche. No one was around this end, most families gathered in the wider space, so Cenric slowly jumped down onto the tracks and pulled himself up onto the back of the train. He slipped into the back carriage quietly. Not many children were back here, but Cenric didn't want to risk getting a compartment. Instead, he ducked down into a corner between the back door and a partition that hid him from the view of anyone.

His stomach growled loudly, his gut clenching as hunger ripped through him. It was a pain that he was familiar with from the early days in prison. He'd eat later.

As the train tottered along the tracks, Cenric closed his eyes. Might as well try to get more sleep. It would be hours until they reached Hogsmeade. From there, Cenric could walk to the the castle. Though he wondered about security there. He remembered the Aurors were often spread thin as it was difficult to pass Auror training. However, there was the Volunteer Auror League created during the first year of exposure and, if it had grown in ranks, it was likely some members of V.A.L. could be patrolling the grounds.

That was a worry for when the train stopped.

For now, he rested and waited.

With the darkness to cover him, Cenric made his way through the Forbidden Forest. Using the pathways from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts would likely result in being spotted. Cutting through the forest was the best, and hopefully least secured, route.

Cenric walked along quietly, but he wanted to get to the castle and to the head's office before the headmistress, or headmaster, did. That meant he needed to get to the castle before the feast ended. It would be easier with the invisibility cloak and the Marauder's Map; did Alcide still have the Map after their last prank? Had he passed it on to their siblings and cousins? What of the cloak? Was it still at the bottom of his trunk? Had his parents found it and given it to the kids?

Shaking his head, Cenric chided himself. Now wasn't the time to ponder the past. Often, remembering his father angered him and remembering the rest of his family and friends brought nothing but pain. Emotions never did any good; they were a weakness used against him back in prison. It didn't take long for his teenage self to learn that bottling emotions only furthered his survival.

Focusing on the path ahead of him, Cenric saw no creatures and no security. It was almost too easy, which only put him more on alert. Even the forest's natural noises were absent. Where were the centaurs? Territorial as they were, he'd yet to be surrounded by them. No unicorns, wolves, deers, fairies…it was all so…

Well, eerie was an understatement.

Cenric ducked behind a tree before his mind fully registered that he heard soft voices. Instincts honed by years of torture helped him survive. Keeping himself low and tight against the large trunk, his ears strained to listen for the disturbance.

A twig snapped. The sounds two pairs of feet padded along the dirt coming closer. How close, he couldn't be sure. With the forest so quiet, any noise would be amplified.

"Nothing over here." A feminine voice spoke. "I wish V.A.L. had more members to spare."

"With the term starting, they and the Aurors are busier elsewhere." A masculine voice responded. "Though it would be helpful if people weren't becoming complacent. Auror and V.A.L. recruitment has been waning the past few years."

"Nothing major has happened in seven years, Halcyon." The feminine voice said.

Hal? Cenric's gut clenched. Halcyon Malfoy-Bones. His best friend. The pair of them along with Artemisia, Alcide, and Eugene were the closest friends despite the different Houses they were placed in.

Cenric didn't dare breathe. He couldn't be caught. Not by Hal. This was meant to be a fresh start; the past was behind him. Hell, how would he explain his presence if they found him? How did Hal feel about him being imprisoned? It had been nine years. What if Halcyon was a completely different person than he remembered? What if Hal hated him?

"Something could happen." Halcyon countered. "As long as the Muggles fear us, we're in danger."

A sigh exuded from Halcyon's companion. "I'm not saying you're wrong, but it's not like we can tell the Ministry what to do."

Silence stretched on over the next few minutes before a defeated tone came from Halcyon. "Let's finish patrol. The feast should be over soon. Professor Llewellyn told the house elves to save us a meal."

"Good, I'm starving." Was the relieved words of the other patroller.

"Aren't you always?" Halcyon chuckled.

Cenric waited until he no longer heard voices or footsteps.

Holding his breath, he slowly peered around the trunk of the tree. Cenric saw only trees and brush; the pair were gone and no one else seemed to be in the forest.

If the feast was ending soon, he'd have to hurry. Quickening his pace, ignoring the searing emotions Hal's presence brought to the surface, Cenric soon found himself at the edge of the forest, not too far from the castle. Luckily he made it to a side entrance where no one seemed to be around.

On his guard, Cenric quietly made his way through the corridors. Ears perked for any sound, eyes darting left and right, heart steady despite the adrenaline. He scurried up the stairs to the third floor. Sounds of the feast going on as he passed near the Great Hall told him it was a safe bet that the Headmaster's Office was still empty.

When his feet hit the third floor, he could hear the students leaving the Great Hall.

Hurrying down the hall and around the corner, it didn't take long to find the gargoyle that guarded the office. Professor McGonagall used to have passwords that referenced great witches and wizards throughout history. Cenric wondered if Aunt Minnie was indeed retired or not. Not wanting to be spotted by wayward students or teachers passing by to get to their residences, Cenric hid behind a large suit of armor across from the gargoyle to wait once again.

Esyllt Llewellyn left the kitchens pleased with Professor Malfoy-Bones and Professor Joshi's report from their patrol. Though Professor Llewellyn would've liked to have some V.A.L. members patrolling since it was the first night students were back, but there wasn't much to be done with recruitment down and volunteers spread thin or not having the time. It had been a decade since the Muggles learned of magic and Professor Llewellyn didn't like how lax everyone in the magical community was becoming. Overconfidence in their skills at hiding magic and the magic folk returned, and Llewellyn feared that was a mistake just waiting to blow up in their faces.

With a sigh, she reached the third floor, her bones feeling wearier than her forty-nine years. If she still taught D.A.D.A. then perhaps she'd feel more fit, but as it was when Professor McGonagall retired two years ago, she insisted that Llewellyn be her replacement.

She figured that she was doing a good job so far, but McGonagall and Dumbledore before her were a lot to live up to, especially in a time of such strife and uncertainty. Though many believed everything back to normal since things calmed down. That was a mistake. The Muggles knew of magic now and they were still trying to suss out magic folk. It would only get harder from here. But who would listen to her? When she graduated she went to work for the Department of Magical Education at the Ministry and then Professor McGonagall hired her as a professor. Llewellyn's family wasn't an old one and there wasn't much clout to her name. She was just another professor. She was no Dumbledore.

Hell, when the Second Wizarding War happened, her parents forced her into hiding so she never even participated in the battles. That still ate at her nearly thirty years later.

As she stopped before the gargoyle that led to her office, her mouth opening to speak the password, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled.

Drawing her wand, she whirled around.

A tall figured loomed over a suit of armor.

Llewellyn's eyes narrowed at the man.

He looked wild. Over six feet tall, broad shouldered yet a lean physique, and long dark, jet-black tousled hair. A thick beard hid and shadow hid most of his face. Emerald green eyes stared her down coldly, bright against his pale skin. His clothes were threadbare and thin. Clearly, he wasn't a man who had the means to care for himself.

And yet…there was something so very familiar about him.

"Who are you?" Llewellyn asked, carefully keeping her voice steady.

Green eyes studied her for a moment before pink, chapped lips parted. "I'm here to see the headmistress." His voice was deep, hoarse from either disuse or lack of hydration.

But his appearance didn't set her on edge. No, his aura of power did. Whoever this wizard was, he wasn't one to be messed with and it took a lot of willpower to stay still rather then step back.

"I am the headmistress." Llewellyn said. "I'll ask one more time. Who are you?"

The man stepped forward carefully as not to spook her, coming more into the light. "Professor Llewellyn, I'm not sure if you remember me…I'm Cenric Potter."

Her jaw dropped. That's why he was so familiar. Though taller and broader then his father, Cenric was the spitting image of Harry sans the infamous scar and glasses. "Cenric Potter?" She couldn't believe it. Gone was the lanky, cheerful young man who was top in her classes. As the light showed his features, Llewellyn noticed scars covering his face in various spots. His eyes were no longer bright with mischief, but coldly haunted. Even his voice…it was no longer the cracking voice on the edge of adulthood, but deep and worn.

It was a great tragedy when she heard the news that Cenric used magic in Muggle London. Though Harry Potter insisted it was self-defense, the Ministry refused to appeal to the Muggle government to release the boy. That was also despite his family and their allies attempts to do everything they could to bring Cenric home.

Cenric simply nodded at her question.

Even as she believed him, the physical differences were stark enough that Llewellyn needed to be sure. "What was the topic for your Autumn essay in third year?"

The man's brows pulled together as though going back into his head. It had been nine years after all. "The practical applications of the seize and pull charm in capturing imps." Cenric answered after a moment. He was right.

"What spell did you demonstrate in your very first class with me?" Llewellyn asked, wanting to be absolutely certain without a shadow of a doubt.

Again, he took a moment to remember. "The Disarming Charm. Roger Calwickle was picking on Valerie Bellswap." Cenric told her. It hurt to remember. Not that it was a bad memory. Roger was a prat, but remembering any of his life before the prison only served as a reminder to what he lost. "He was using the Floating Charm to lift her books and supplies in the air and keeping them from her. I got mad and disarmed him. Ended up blasting him across the room, along with a few desks."

Llewellyn couldn't help but smile.

Mr. Calwickle never took his studying seriously and had been a bit of a bully. Cenric never tolerated bullying. She got to the classroom to see Mr. Calwickle pestering poor Valerie, but before she could intervene, Cenric stepped up. The power behind his spell only emphasized his talent for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Though since Roger ended up in the Hospital Wing with a broken arm, she not only had to dock ten points from Gryffindor for Roger's bullying, but another twenty-five for Cenric's use of excessive force, not that he'd meant for the spell to be that powerful. "Oh Mr. Potter, it is so good to see you."

Her smile relaxed Cenric just a bit. He could always count on Professor Llewellyn. It was why she'd been his favorite professor. Not that he didn't love Uncle Nev, but Herbology wasn't his best subject.

"Could we talk in your office, Professor?" Cenric asked, trying to keep his tone more cordial. His voice already hurt. He hadn't used it much in the last nine years. He preferred keeping to himself in prison; there was no need for friends.

"Of course." Professor Llewellyn turned back towards the gargoyle. "Runestone."

The gargoyle hopped aside and Llewellyn walked forward.

Cenric followed.

When they entered the office, Professor Llewellyn motioned for him to take a seat in one of the two plush armchairs that sat before her desk. "Tea?" She asked.

"Please." Cenric nodded. "Thank you."

"I can send to the kitchens for food." She said.

Cenric didn't want to impose, but his stomach growled loudly. He refused to be embarrassed, preventing the tell-tale Weasley redness from appearing on the tips of his ears. If there was one thing that he learned early on in his imprisonment it was that showing signs of any reaction created dangerous results.

"I'll take that as a yes." She smiled warmly. With a swish of her wand, a message was sent to the kitchens. Another swish and a tea tray wheeled itself from against the wall towards them. Magically, hot water appeared in the charming floral teapot.

It took a lot of willpower for him to not flinch at the sudden use of magic in his presence.

Cenric watched her as she prepared the tea. Her brown hair showed signs of silvering. Fair skin bore a few fine wrinkles. Blue eyes looked older than her years. "When did Au-Professor McGonagall retire?"

"Oh only a couple of years ago." Professor Llewellyn said. "She's got a nice little place in the country now. Has a cat sanctuary and she provides rehabilitated cats to the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley."

"That sounds nice." Cenric replied automatically.

Professor Llewellyn eyed him. Though he was polite, there was no emotion in his voice. In fact, his speech remained monotonous since he revealed himself. Even now, his scarred face was an emotionless mask. He was hiding away. Sweet Godric, what did they do to you, Cenric? This was, after all, a boy who had once worn his heart on his sleeve no matter the consequences. He acted by emotions and instinct, but now, whatever happened to him, all Llewellyn could see was a mask of indifference.

Cenric caught her look. If he wasn't so in control, he'd wince. For so long, he relied on hiding his emotions and becoming something less than human to survive. It's part of why he came back to Hogwarts. He wanted to learn to be a person again and he wasn't sure if he could do so; after all, this was his normal.

They were silent as she made their tea.

A food tray appeared in front of him.

Again, it took everything in him to keep still and not jump away from the tray. Even watching it float prickled his skin in irritation.

A steak and kidney pie, colcannon, roasted aubergine, chips, a pumpkin pasty, and a treacle tart adorned the plate.

Cenric's mouth watered, but he knew better than to eat it all. He hadn't eaten in days. His stomach would rebel if he ate such a heavy meal, especially if he ate it quickly. Picking up the knife and fork, he gently cut through the aubergine slices and ate very slowly.

He felt Professor Llewellyn's eyes studying him.

She gingerly set his tea on the floating tray.

"Thank you." Another emotionless, automatic response.

Llewellyn sipped her tea, watching him. She wondered when he last ate. "When were you released?"

He swallowed his mouthful. "Last week."

"I don't know if you are aware, Mr. Potter, but there are new laws." Professor Llewellyn said. "All released prisoners are to register with the Ministry."

Cenric paused. "I was not aware." He looked at her with those cold and wary eyes again. "I'm not going to the Ministry."

Llewellyn sensed that he wouldn't; he was a wonderful student, but too much of a leader and rebel all in one to follow rules or authority to a T. "Why did you come here, Cenric?"

He stopped eating to consider his words. He knew why he came here, but he wasn't quite sure how to express it. Taking his time to mull over his words, he finally settled on a sentimental answer. "Hogwarts was a second home to me."

"Why not go back home?" Professor Llewellyn asked, genuinely curious and concerned.

Green eyes flared with an anger that shocked her. It was the first sign of emotion in him.

"I don't have a home." He said, still in that controlled tone.

"But your family…"

He cut her off. "I don't want anyone to know I'm here." Cenric struggled to keep the strain out of his tone this time. Pausing to reestablish his polite monotone, Cenric spoke. "Please, Professor. I need a fresh start, and I was hoping you would be able to help me."

Empathy coursed through her at the lost look in his eyes. "Of course, Mr. Potter." He had been her favorite student once upon a time. If he needed some time to get his life together, she would help him. "What can I do?"

"I simply want a job and a place to stay." Cenric said. "I have nothing but the clothes I'm wearing."

Oh how she felt for him. But what could she do?

The Ministry was clear. Any who served time in the Muggle prisons needed to be registered and monitored. Llewellyn thought it was unnecessary, but with the Alliance for Wizarding Superiority growing throughout the continents, the Ministry and other governments wanted to ensure that those who used magic in front of Muggles weren't a part of A.W.S. or its splinter groups. There were few acts of terrorism as A.W.S. was more towards rallying wizard-kind to overthrow the Muggles and rule them, but quite a few splinter groups were more for actions against Muggles.

Llewellyn doubted Cenric was a part of any of those groups. He was imprisoned at fourteen and claimed that he was just released last week. Perhaps, what he needed more than anything right now was someone who had faith in him, someone who could support him, especially since he didn't seem keen to go back to his family.

"All right." She relented. "There is a job opening here. The Keeper of the Keys position. I remember you had a certain fondness for nature and magical creatures. Not Herbology though." Her smile was amused.

"Hagrid finally retired?" Cenric asked. He certainly missed tea with Uncle Hagrid, but if he were to be here, he couldn't stop by for a visit; not when he wanted to keep as low a profile as possible.

Professor Llewellyn's face dropped, sadness blooming in her eyes. "I'm afraid that's not what happened."

Cenric tensed. "What happened?"

Llewellyn looked away, out towards the darkened night sky. "Hagrid was running an errand for me in Muggle London. A young witch, not even old enough for Hogwarts, performed accidental magic in a crowd. When people turned on her and her mother, Hagrid covered for them, showing off his own magic while the mother and child escaped. He tried to run when the Muggles attempted to arrest him. Their weapons…he didn't…" Llewellyn trailed off as her eyes watered. "He was such a good soul. He's buried beside his old hut."

Cenric's jaw clenched imperceptibly. Hagrid was dead. Cenric felt an ache in his chest. He sat back, no longer hungry.

The silence stretched between them before Llewellyn cleared her throat. "You can start tomorrow. Hagrid's hut is all yours. His belongings…your father took care of that and Grawp."

For the first time, Cenric visibly flinched in her presence.

Very curious. Llewellyn thought.

"Hagrid's hut is too close to the school." Cenric spoke quietly. "I'd rather build a place further into the Forest, if that's all right?"

"It is." Professor Llewellyn said. "Many creatures left the Forest for the safety of wilder lands, further away from any form of civilization. Until you do manage to build a place to stay, you are welcome to Hagrid's hut, or even an empty professor's quarters if you would like."

Cenric nodded. "I supposed Hagrid's hut will do for now. May I have a few conditions?"

Llewellyn arched a brow. "That depends on what they are."

Fair enough. Cenric sat up, squaring his shoulders. "I want to keep a low profile. I was hoping that…if I am to work here, it could be under a false name. One that doesn't draw attention."

Llewellyn wasn't sure, but the boy had been in prison, perhaps he wanted time to get his life back together. "Very well. Any names in mind?"

"James." Cenric said. "It's my middle name. Common enough. James Evans."

Llewellyn nodded. "What else?"

"I'd like to avoid students and teachers as much as possible." Cenric said. "I'll work in between class times, after curfew, and early in the morning. I'll work holidays too. I'd…I'd very much appreciate it if I were to have a great deal of privacy, Professor."

Those were reasonable enough conditions, though she worried that isolating himself wasn't good for him. However, she had no idea if that's how he'd been living for years or not. Perhaps, he was used to being alone. He needed to come back to civilization, but Llewellyn sensed that it would take time. "All right."

Relief bloomed in his chest. Quite a foreign sensation. "Thank you, Professor."

"Shall we continue to work out more details, Mr. Po-Mr. Evans?"

Cenric nodded. It was going to take some time to discuss the matter.

Once the terms were sorted, Professor Llewellyn insisted that he take the leftover food to the hut for the morning. She also insisted that she take him shopping for a few things that he would need, on her until he would receive pay.

He shuddered at the idea of going to Diagon Alley, but Llewellyn promised him that no one would recognize him. Still, he didn't want to be in crowds. Though again, she assured him it would be fine. With the students back to school, most of the crowds would be gone. Especially if they went after people went into work.

Still, Cenric would prefer to have a polyjuice potion or some sort of disguise. He hadn't faired too well with the crowded streets of London, having had to hide away in alleys before he could calm his rapidly beating heart.

He'd just have to suck it up.

Tomorrow would be his first day as James Evans and he needed to be prepared for anything.

As he reached Hagrid's hut, he paused.

His first time here had been when he was five years old. Uncle Hagrid often visited the Potter house, but when he was five, he'd gone to one of his mum's Quidditch practices and she decided to take him and Theo to Hagrid's afterwards. Since Harry was stuck at work, Ginny took it upon herself to visit the gamekeeper in person to deliver the news of her third pregnancy.

Cenric didn't remember much else other than Hagrid's old hound Fang and that the cauldron cakes hurt his teeth. He remembered sitting on Hagrid's knees, playing with the half-giant's massive beard, determined to find some hidden treasures.

His cheek was wet. Jolted from the memory, Cenric raised a shaking hand to his face to wipe away his tears. He hadn't cried in so long, he was surprised to find he was still capable of it. He took a deep breath. I can do this. I control my emotions, they don't control me.

With a forceful step forward, he entered the hut, pushing down old memories and shutting the door.

His feet carried him to the bed, leftovers forgotten by the door. Resting on the lumpy, worn mattress, Cenric stared up at the dark ceiling for hours until sleep finally claimed him.

Hope you enjoyed. Feel free to review with thoughts. Negativity will be ignored.